any
practical value was less than 2,000. The number of books in each of
the society libraries at this time may be estimated as slightly over
1,000, so that the number of volumes to which access could be had was
not much over 4,000." We quote an item worthy of notice from official
records on this subject:

"Annual Meeting of Trustees, September, A. D. 1783. This Board being
informed that Mr. Daniel Oliver, a student in the Junior class at this
College, has made a donation to Library of the following books [43
volumes; 33 different works], Voted, that the Vice-president be
requested to return him the thanks of this Board and request his
acceptance of the use of the college library free of charge during the
term he shall continue a student at this college."

CHAPTER XI.

LACK OF HARMONY BETWEEN PRESIDENT WHEELOCK AND OTHER
TRUSTEES.--REMOVAL OF THE PRESIDENT FROM OFFICE.--ESTIMATE OF HIS
CHARACTER.

The administration of President John Wheelock is remarkable for two
things; its great length, and its unhappy close.

The great "Dartmouth Controversy" is one of the most impressive
chapters in the annals of American colleges.

In discussing this subject it is necessary to consider some of the
influences which had aided in moulding President Wheelock's character.
His residence at Yale College was at an important period in the
history of that institution, commencing soon after the resignation of
President Clap, who had been driven from his position, virtually, for
opposing any interference in the affairs of the college, by the
Legislature. The friends of education were divided in sentiment, as to
the wisdom of his course, and the institution was in some sense under
a cloud till the accession of President Stiles--a friend of the
Wheelock family--who effected an arrangement by which the State was
admitted to a share in the management of the college. The following
letter from a prominent Trustee of Dartmouth to the president, written
just at this period, shows that the animated contest in Connecticut
was only the natural and logical precursor of one more animated and
much more important, in New Hampshire.

"Charlestown, November 17, 1791.

"Hon. Sir: I have set my name to the petition, etc., although, I
confess not without some hesitation and reluctance. I like the plan
well in general,--but there is one exception. I cannot form any idea
of what is intended by the proposal, That the Council, or Senate, or
bo